Clue And Roseanne Star Martin Mull Dead At 80

News

Martin Mull, who was best known for his roles as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 film "Clue" and Leon Carp on the sitcom "Roseanne," has died. He was 80 years old.

The veteran actor's death was announced on Friday, June 28, by his daughter, "Family Guy" executive producer Maggie Mull. "I am heartbroken to share that my father passed away at home on June 27th, after a valiant fight against a long illness," she wrote on Instagram. "He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable ... My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, by his friends and coworkers, by fellow artists and comedians and musicians, and—the sign of a truly exceptional person—by many, many dogs. I loved him tremendously,"

Mull first made a name for himself as an actor on the 1970s soap opera satire "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," which ranks among Norman Lear's most iconic shows, as well as its spin-off, "Fernwood 2 Night." On the big screen, he had a leading role in the 1980 comedy "Serial" as well as supporting parts in projects such as 1983's "Mr. Mom" and 1993's "Mrs. Doubtfire," on top of his memorable turn in the board game-inspired "Clue."

While TV viewers might be most familiar with Mull's role as Roseanne's (Roseanne Barr) gay boss, Leon Carp, on her eponymous sitcom, he is also remembered for his recurring roles as private detective Gene Parmesan on "Arrested Development" and principal Willard Kraft on "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch," among others. In more recent years, the actor-comedian appeared in 13 episodes of the Netflix comedy-drama "The Ranch," which was canceled in 2020 after four seasons. He also had several prominent voice acting roles, most notably on "American Dad," where he voiced Father Donovan in 10 episodes of the show.

Tributes have started pouring in from Martin Mull's co-stars

Following the news of Martin Mull's death, several of his former co-stars and colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary actor. "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" lead star Melissa Joan Hart shared a behind-the-scenes photo of herself and Mull on Instagram, adding a touching caption that relates how the veteran performer inspired and influenced her. "He once told me that he takes every job he's offered just in case the train comes to an end, which in this business tends to halt quickly," she wrote. "But he was an artist who liked to paint and build things with his hands, a musician and a wonderful man who I am better for knowing."

Michael Fishman, who played Roseanne's son, D.J., on "Roseanne" and "The Conners" before his unexpected exit from the latter show, shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, eulogizing the man who played his TV mom's boss. "Martin Mull is a legend," he tweeted. "He was a tremendous talent, who was always funny. As amazing as he was on camera, he was even more incredible off. The world was better with him in it. Perhaps the other side needed more laughter."

Jennifer Tilly, who co-starred with Mull in the 1987 comedy film "Rented Lips," likewise looked back fondly on her time working with the actor. "He was such a witty charismatic and kind person," she shared." As an actress just starting out, it really meant a lot to me to be able to work with such a wonderful actor."